Abstract: A center bearing bush unit for a propeller shaft can effectively decrease the amount of large/small displacement that occurs in the propeller shaft during driving of a vehicle. A center bearing bush unit for a propeller shaft includes an inner pipe; an outer pipe disposed on a common axis as the inner pipe at the outside of the inner pipe; a cushion rubber attached between the inner and outer pipes, and having a plurality of voids disposed on the common axis; and a plurality of stoppers attached to the outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe while being spaced apart from the cushion rubber at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A frame hanger including a frame bracket adapted for connection to a vehicle frame rail, a spring box attached to the frame bracket, a vertically extending gusset attached to the frame bracket and positioned within the spring box to form a first spring module and a second spring module, where the spring box provides a bottom wall, a top wall, and an outer side wall of the first spring module, and where the spring box provides a bottom wall, a top wall, and an outer side wall of the second spring module, and the vertically extending gusset provides an inner side wall of the first spring module and an inner side wall of the second spring module.

Abstract: A suspension having a frame attachment portion having an opening with a spring mount positioned therein, and a first shear spring positioned between a wall of the spring mount and a side wall of the opening, and a second shear spring positioned between another wall of the spring mount and another wall of the opening. The first spring mount comprises an inboard part and an outboard part with a first through-hole positioned therein adapted to allow passage of a first connecting rod therethrough, wherein the first connecting rod connects the inboard and outboard parts together, and wherein the first shear spring is compressed between a wall of the spring mount and a wall of the opening, and wherein the second shear spring is compressed between a wall of the spring mount and a wall of the opening.

Abstract: A shear spring comprising a base and a V-shaped surface opposite the base adapted to mate with a corresponding V-shaped surface positioned on a side wall of a spring mount, and an elastomeric material positioned between the base and the V-shaped surface, wherein the base includes a first flange extending away from the V-shaped surface and adapted to be positioned outwardly from a first edge of a side wall of a spring module, and wherein the base includes a second flange extending away from the V-shaped surface and adapted to be positioned outwardly from a second edge of the side wall of the spring module, where the first flange and the second flange are positioned in parallel planes.

Abstract: A rubber spring device is formed by alternately laminating a plurality of layers of hard plates whose linear dimension W in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of each equalizer bar is shorter in plan view than a linear dimension H in a direction parallel to an axle direction, and rubber layers. The rubber spring device is disposed between an end portion of each equalizer bar and a center axle in an articulated dump truck, and is allowed to function as a suspension. Thus, even when the rubber spring device is deformed into an accordion shape, peak positions of an internal stress within each rubber layer can be dispersed and reduced, thereby preventing generation of cracks within each rubber layer.

Abstract: A trailer tandem wheel suspension system comprising a pair of suspension units (3) for mounting on either side of a chassis (4) of a trailer (1) to support a pair of wheels 2?, 2? and arranged to respond both to small and large deflections of the wheels 2?, 2?. Each suspension unit (3) has a primary spring element (12) and a secondary spring element (13) linked to the primary spring element (12) so that the primary and secondary spring elements (12, 13) are effective over different ranges of movement of the wheels 2?, 2?. The primary spring element (12) is a leaf spring responsive to small movements of the wheels 2?, 2? and the secondary spring element (13) includes a compression spring (18) linked to the leaf spring and responsive to larger movements of the wheels 2?, 2?.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: A suspension deflection system is provided that includes first and second spaced apart supports, an elastomeric body positioned at least partially in the region between the first and second supports, and a suspension engaging projection extending from the second support in a direction away from the first support. The elastomeric body includes first and second opposed body end surfaces coupled respectively to the first and second supports, and first and second body side surfaces extending between the body end surfaces. The body side surfaces are closer to one another at a location intermediate to the body end surfaces than at the first and second supports. The system conveniently and securely couples a suspension member of a vehicle engaged by the projection to a frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rubber shear spring assembly for mounting between inner ends of adjacent leaf springs of a tandem axle including a hanger for mounting on a vehicle frame, hanger sides on the hanger, a rubber shear spring assembly between the hanger sides, the rubber shear spring assembly including a central plate and first and second rubber shear springs having inner sides mounted on opposite sides of the central plate and the rubber shear springs having outer sides mounted on the hanger sides, and connector members mounted at opposite ends of the central plate for connection to the inner ends of adjacent leaf springs.

Abstract: An improved bracket and bushing combination for the end of a walking beam forming a part of a wheel suspension system of a large truck. The bracket is a hollow housing having an end opening and side holes for receiving bolts which are threaded into the ends of a bushing after the bushing has been inserted into the housing through the end opening. The bushing is carried at one end of a walking beam, and the bushing is held in the housing by mounting elements which are secured in place over the end opening by bolts and nuts in partial surrounding relationship to the bushing. In one form of the bushing, the shaft of the bushing is concentric to the resilient core member surrounding the shaft. In another form of the bushing, the shaft is eccentric to the core member.

Abstract: A tandem axle suspension system distributes a vehicle load asymmetrically to a drive and drag axle of a vehicle, the system comprises a compensator member that is pivotally connected between a front axle seat supporting the vehicle drive axle and a hanger member suspended beneath the vehicle chassis, and a torque beam member that is pivotally connected between the compensator member and a rear axle seat supporting the vehicle drag axle.

Abstract: A suspension for tandem axles of a vehicle comprising a pair of walking beams to which the axles are attached in a manner permitting either beam to swing relative to the other, with an elastomeric interposed between the body of the vehicle and the beams, and with the beams restrained from longitudinal and lateral movement.

Abstract: Spring suspensions for the sprung mass of railway cars are disclosed and which provide torque arm support of both empty and loaded cars and control of axle movement, as in curving by hinging the outer ends of radial torque arms in support of the sprung mass above the vertical axes of the axles of the railway car trucks in which the inner ends of the torque arms are integral with hubs of torque reactive, loaded car spring elements mounted on the journal boxes and in which the hubs are concentric with the axles. In a construction where the loaded car spring elements are mounted on a cross bolster between a pair of axles at the ends of high productivity cars, axes of the spring elements are positioned above the axes of the axles and the outer ends of the torque arms are connected to the journal boxes. In either construction, empty car spring elements are disclosed which are interposed between the sprung mass and the car axles and which are hinged to the ends of torque arms of the loaded car spring elements.

Abstract: An improved vehicle suspension system for use on axles of trailers, trucks, and the like. A pair of wheels are individually rotatably mounted on stub axles attached to a pair of trailing arms which are connected to and extend radially rearwardly from a pair of pivot sleeves. The sleeves are pivotally mounted on brackets connected to the vehicle frame. A pair of spaced levers are attached to and extend radially outwardly from each of the pivot sleeves and rotate in unison with the trailing arms. An annular elastomer spring is located between a pair of metal end plates which are pivotally mounted on and located between the spaced levers. One of the end plates is connected to the lever by a hollow shaft and another shaft is connected to the other end plate and extends through the elastomer spring and into the hollow shaft to maintain the spring in axial alignment.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a suspension supports a vehicle from a drive axle and includes a forward hanger and a rearward hanger depending downwardly from the chassis, an axle seat assembly attaching the suspension to the axle, a first torque arm pivotally connected between the axle seat asssembly and the forward hanger, a second torque arm pivotally connected between the axle seat assembly and the rear hanger, a central elastomer spring mounted between opposing surfaces of the torque arms, and an upper radius rod pivotally connected and extending between the forward hanger and axle seat assembly to form a parallelogram with the first torque arm to control and stabilize the axle. A second embodiment of the same suspension mounts a vehicle chassis to a steer axle with the radius rod being offset inwardly and the axle seat being mounted to the top of the steer axle to accommodate space limitations.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a suspension supports a vehicle from a drive axle and includes a forward hanger and a rearward hanger depending downwardly from the chassis, an axle seat assembly attaching the suspension to the axle, a first torque arm pivotally connected between the axle seat assembly and the forward hanger, a second torque arm pivotally connected between the axle seat assembly and the rear hanger, a central elastomer spring mounted between opposing surfaces of the torque arms, and an upper radius rod pivotally connected and extending between the forward hanger and axle seat assembly to form a parallelogram with the first torque arm to control and stabilize the axle. A second embodiment of the same suspension mounts a vehicle chassis to a steer axle with the radius rod being offset inwardly and the axle seat being mounted to the top of the steer axle to accommodate space limitations.

Abstract: A stabilized axle seat for mounting a suspension in cantilever fashion from an axle for a nonpowered vehicle prevents axle windup as the brakes are applied and yet permits limited oscillation of the axle to follow the varying contour of the road. The stabilized axle seat includes two spaced apart axle brackets, each bracket having an ear extending along the side of the torque rod to provide a location at which a bushing may extend through the torque rod and to each axle bracket. A main bushing directly below the axle and connecting the end of the torque rod to the axle brackets provides a second location at which the axle brackets are pivotally mounted to the torque rod. Each of the spaced apart bushings has an elastomeric member which permits limited oscillation of the axle seat and axle to more closely follow the varying contour of the road and provide a smoother and safer ride.

Abstract: A tandem axle vehicle suspension comprising a beam extending between and pivotally connected at each end to a respective one of a pair of axles and a spring acting between the beam and a vehicle mounting. The spring comprises a pair of springs the axes of which are inclined at equal and opposite angles to the vertical. Each spring comprises layers of elastomeric material interleaved with and bonded to reinforcing elements wherein at least some of the elastomeric layers and elements are curved about a common center of curvature.

Abstract: A tandem axle vehicle suspension system has a pedestal mounted to a chassis member and extending downwardly to support a trunnion shaft extending the width of the vehicle and between two suspension systems. A compensator is pivotally attached to the trunnion shaft. A fore torque beam and a rear torque beam are pivotally attached to and extend between the compensator and an axle. A central, principal load-bearing elastomer spring is held in position between the upper portions of the torque beams with sandwich type secondary springs extending between the compensator and each torque beam. In one embodiment, a mounting stud extends into the cylindrical opening at each end of the elastomer spring to hold it in position. In an alternate embodiment, fiber block assemblies are mounted to each end of the elastomer spring and opposing U-shaped saddle brackets with arcuate slots capture each end of the spring and permit limited arcuate movement of each end of the spring with respect to its adjacent torque beam.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multiple axle articulated suspension structure and system for vehicles wherein road and tire excitations of each axle are isolated from their opposing axle, as well as from the sprung mass. This is accomplished in a preferred embodiment of my invention via deflections in a combination integrally damped multiple spring means system including a pressure resistant air spring and a self-damping compressive resistant elastomer having high hysteresis characteristics, operatively providing a progressively increasing spring rate. The elastomer is disposed entirely within and functions in parallel with the air spring, such that the compressive resistance of the air spring supplements or augments that of the elastomer, and the high hysteresis of the elastomer serves to dampen fluctuations or deflective excitations induced in the air spring during what as known as jounce conditions.

Abstract: A multiple axle suspension for vehicles has a first arm pivotally mounted at its rearward end from the vehicle chassis to suspend a first vehicle axle and a second arm pivotally mounted at its forward end from the vehicle chassis to suspend a second vehicle axle. A beam connects the first and second axles, either directly or by connecting the suspending arms. The forward end of the beam bears downwardly on the first axle or arm in opposition to that axle load, and the rearward end of the beam bears downwardly on the second axle or arm in opposition to that axle load. Resilient means are mounted between the vehicle chassis and the beam at a location between the axles. Other resilient means are mounted between the beam and the points where the beam joins the pivoting arms, if that configuration is used.

Abstract: The present invention includes a suspension system for use with railroad freight car trucks, or the like, wherein vertical, transverse and longitudinal movements of the car body sprung mass are restrained and isolated from rail-induced excitations and dampened by captive elastomeric means. This system employs crossed levers to restrain said sprung mass parallel with respect to the supporting railroad track.

Abstract: An undercarriage for farm wagons and similar vehicles in which the frame of the vehicle is mounted on one or more axles by units at each end of the axles, each unit consisting of plates connected to the axle, a plate connected to the frame and a member of elastomeric material bonded to the facing surfaces of the axle and frame plates to form the primary support at each end of the axle for the frame. The elastomeric material may be rubber and is preferably of a parallelogram shape in vertical cross sectional direction with the low vertical side being connected to the axle plate and the high vertical side being connected to the frame plate. Second axle and frame plates may be employed to which the first axle and frame plates are rigidly secured by bolts or other securing means.